OF GREAT PRICE

“...when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.”Mt 13:46

Jerry Hawn

copyright 1990 - revised 2000

                    

Cast Notes:
16 speaking parts - 4 male, 5 female, and 7 either one.
In addition - a group of shoppers in the mall and a children’s choir

Script Notes:
Several songs may be sung by the children’s choir in the play to add length to the play, include more children, and showcase their talent.

Scene descriptions - may be included in program:
Scene 1 - Pensington home - early December
Scene 2 - Shopping Mall - 2 weeks later
Scene 3 - Pensington home - later that evening

Script key:
Gma= Grandma Pensington
Mom= Elizabeth Pensington
Meg= Meg Pensington (third child)
Alx= Alex Pensington (youngest child)
Bif= Biff Pensington (second child)
Bil= Billy Pensington (oldest child)
Dad= Robert Pensington
PJ= Pastor John
Sup= Mall Supervisor
Th1= Thief 1
Th2= Thief 2
Bon= Bonnie Sue
Ger= Gertrude (thieves’ accomplice)
Pet= Pete (security officer)
Joe= Joe (security officer)
Rep= Reporter

Royalty:
This script is copyrighted. 
Keep your conscience happy - pay the royalty fee when the play is performed.
2000-2001 fees for non-profit groups: $50 first performance, $25 each performance thereafter 

Contact:
InSight Productions
1018 E Richardson St		309-928-2109			coming soon:
Farmer City, IL 61842		jhawn@farmwagon.com	www.farmercity.org/insight

SCENE 1      Early December

(Scene is set in the living room of a comfortable upper‑middle class family. Everything is very neat and tidy. Two exits are used. One is front door of house, and second leads to rest of the house. Several end tables, lamps, and stuffed chairs are scattered about the room. As scene opens mother and grandma are on stage. Mother is dusting and grandma is knitting.)

Gma: Elizabeth, this is the second time today that you have dusted the furniture! Not to mention the three times you vacuumed in here. You'd think this was a hospital zone!

Mom: Now, Mother Pensington, you just can't have a house too clean. Besides, a fine Christian like you should know that cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Gma: And you know there is no such verse in the Bible. But there are a lot of verses that speak of the people in the house, rather than the possessions of the house.

Mom: But you must admit the members of this household are among the most admirably attired families in all the city.

Gma: That's just the point you scrub and decorate Robert and the children just like you do the house. Perhaps if you paid a little more attention to their hearts instead of their appearance, then maybe Billy wouldn't have ...(Mom winces.  Gma, seeing she has struck a nerve, does not finish the sentence.)

Mom: (After an emotional pause, collects herself.) You were going to say I neglected Billy's emotional needs. I forced my oldest child to run away and join the Army because I nitpick too much.

Gma: (Gets up and goes to her. Puts arm around her.) Elizabeth, I'm sorry. Billy's absence bothers us all. I shouldn't have said anything. I'm a guest in your home for this month of December, and I should be bringing cheer instead of a scolding. ....Forgive me?

Mom: Of course! But I'm the one who is wrong. I know I've been too touchy lately. Billy being gone and not even wanting to communicate with us is a void that is particularly difficult, especially now ‑ at Christmastime.

Gma: Well, my dear, it's at times like this that we must remember what Christmas is really all about ‑ God reaching down to us and answering the deepest cry of our hearts. 

Mom: Yes, thank you. (They embrace.)

Gma: Can I help you finish the dusting?
Mom: (Smiles at her.) What dusting? I think this room looks just fine.

Gma: (Smiling back.) Finest in all the city!

(Biff enters with Meg and Alex.They are very finely dressed. M & A run and hug Gma.)

M&A: Grandma!

Gma: Oh, it's so good to see my grandchildren again today. (She looks at watch. Feigns surprise. Then teasingly...)My but it's late for you to just be getting home from school. Didn't you listen to what I told you at breakfast? To mind your teachers and not get in trouble! You must have been very  bad to have stayed this long after school.

Meg: But Grandma, we weren't bad.

Alx: No, we were at the church practicing for the concert the children's choir does at the mall on Christmas Eve.

Meg: We just finished, and Biff picked us up and brought us home.

Gma: Well now that you mention it your mother did say something  about a choir practice.

Alx: Will you come hear us sing? You'll still be here on Christmas Eve won't you?

Gma: Well of course I'll come to your concert. I imagine we all will.

Meg: Daddy won't. He will be too busy.

Alx: He's always too busy.

Meg: We made a silk corsage for you to wear to our concert.

Gma: Why it's lovely. Thank you so much.

Mom:(Gasps in dismay at floor.) Where did this mud come from? 

(All three children look at bottom of shoes.)

Meg: Not me!

Alx: not me!

Bif: Whoops!

Mom: Oliver Bufford Pensington get those muddy shoes out of here right now!

(He starts to walk all the way across the room.)

Mom: Not that way! Go back out the front door.(He retreats and opens door.) And while you're out there cleaning those shoes see if the evening paper has come. You know your Father likes it to be next to his chair when he gets home. He's due home any minute.(Mom starts towards other exit. Stop and     addresses M & A.) Children come and get washed up, it's almost time for supper. I'd better get the vacuum out.

Gma: (Spoken quietly to audience as she returns to her knitting chair.) That's number 4 today. Well I'd better get back to this afghan for Cousin Bess if it's  to be done by Christmas.

(Father enters dressed in business suit and carrying a package. He also has a newspaper under his arm. Biff is with him. He is carrying his shoes, and sets them by Dad's chair and sits in it.)

Dad: Hello, Mom. How was your day?

Gma: Very nice, dear. It's always good when I'm with my family.   And how was your day?

Dad: Great, have you seen the evening paper?(Hands it to her. Turns and calls toward kitchen.)Elizabeth, where are you? I've got something you'll want to hear.

Mom: (She enters.) What is it, dear?

Gma: (She looks newspaper over silently for several seconds, and then reads from paper aloud.) Elizabeth, listen to this!   Local man secures diamond exhibit.  Robert Oliver Pensington, a local jeweler, has received permission to exhibit the Windsor Diamond from Great Britain. The diamond     will be arriving on Monday. The diamond may be viewed at Pensington's Jewelry Store in the mall from 10:00 until 4:00 for the next two weeks ‑ ending on Christmas Eve. The Windsor Diamond has received international acclaim because of its clarity and size. It is currently valued at 29 million dollars.(Puts paper down.) This is very impressive, son.

Mom: Oh, Robert, congratulations!(Embraces him.) I know you've  worked very hard to get this. 

Dad: Thank you. I just hope it all works out. We've had to hire extra security and negotiate an insurance policy with Lloyd's of London. But the exhibit should bring us a lot more business, and draw attention to our new location in the mall.(Suddenly remembers something. Reaches into jacket, and     pulls out envelope, and looks at watch.)Oh, I almost forgot! This insurance premium for the diamond must be in the 5:00 mail. Biff,  would you run this over there for me? 

Bif: Sure, Dad. It’s only two blocks. I'll just stick it inside my hat and be there in no time. Has anybody seen my hat?(Dad takes it from Biff's head and hands it to him.) Oh yeah. There it is. (Sticks letter inside and opens door to leave.)

Mom: Biff, don't you think you should wear some shoes?

Bif: Oh, right. I forgot.

Mom: Well, at least you come by your absent‑mindedness honestly.     (She looks at dad.)

Dad: I just forgot to mail one letter. 

Mom: And where is your hat and coat?

Dad: (Looks around.) I...forgot it at the office.

(By now Biff has slipped on his shoes.)

Bif: I'm on my way!

Mom: Come right back after you mail it. Supper will soon be ready.

(Meg & Alex run in.)

M&A: Hi, Daddy! (They hug his leg.)

Dad: Hi, kids. Did you have a good day at school?

Meg: Yes, it is so much fun going to a Christian school.

Alx: And my teacher is so nice. I'm getting really smart.

Dad: Oh, that's great!

Meg: (Notices the package. Goes over to it.)Hey! What's in the package?
Dad: It's an award I won from the National Jewelers Association.     It's supposed to be an original oil painting by Pablo Expresso, the modern artist.

Alx: Can we open it?

Dad: Sure, why not?

(They quickly rip wrapper off.)

Meg: What is it?

Alx: Maybe that's the back.

Dad: (Picks it up. A really ugly modern art painting. He reads the title.) It's titled "A Beautiful Lady and her Jewelry." 

(They all look at it for several seconds ‑ turning their heads first one way and then the other.)

Meg: Where's the lady?

Alx: I got in trouble for drawing that on the wall last week.

Mom: After all you've done for the Jeweler's Association and this is the recognition you get!

Dad: (Reluctantly) It's not so bad. I kind of like it. (Holds it against the wall.) Where do you think we should put it?

Meg: How about the trash compactor?

Mom: Robert, you're not thinking of hanging that in here?

Dad: But it is a very prestigious award.

(Doorbell rings)(Dad sets picture down on couch.)

Dad: I'll get it.(Mom puts picture behind couch.)
     Well, good evening, Pastor John. Do come in.

PJ:  Thank you, Robert. Hello everyone.

All: Hello. Hi, Pastor.(etc.)
Dad: What brings you to our humble abode?

PJ:  Well, I wonder if I might talk privately with you, Robert?

Gma: Elizabeth, how about if the kids and I help you get supper ready?

Mom: Yes, let's go children. Nice seeing you, Pastor.

PJ:  Good to see all of you. Sorry if I've interrupted anything.

Gma: (Smiling) No, as a matter of fact you saved us from something really ugly.

Dad: (As pastor looks at him for an explanation.) Oh, don't mind her. We weren't seeing things eye‑to‑eye, so to speak. won't you sit down?

PJ:  Well, I can only stay a moment. In fact I was on my way home from the church, and had no plans to stop in here. But as I turned on to your street I felt compelled to turn in and see you. I'm not really sure why; but you seem different lately. Robert, we’ve been friends a long time.  Is there something I can help you with?

Dad: (Slowly) On the surface everything appears to be going well for me. I've just won a national award. I've got a wonderful family. I'm at the top of my profession. I even get to exhibit the internationally acclaimed Windsor Diamond.(Pause)

PJ:  Yes, I saw the article in the paper. All you said is true. Many people envy you. But I get the feeling there's something wrong.

Dad: (nods in agreement) I don't know maybe it's midlife crisis. Maybe it's God trying to get through to me. There's an ache in my heart. I know I'm saved and going to heaven, but something is not right.

PJ:  I've noticed you've been more faithful to attend church on Wednesdays and Sunday nights as well as Sunday mornings. You seem to be more hungry for God.

Dad: Ever since Mom has been here for the holidays I keep hearing those words she used to tell me about making Jesus Lord as well as Savior. And then yesterday was the second anniversary of Billy's disappearance. We haven't heard anything in two years.  Last night I had a terrible dream. The dream seemed to warn me that I might never see Billy again. 

PJ:  Have you told anyone else about this?

Dad: No, they're upset about Billy enough already.
PJ:  Well, what do you want to do? 

Dad: I think the dream's message is to pray, but not just pray that Billy be kept safe and return home. I've done that every day since the disappearance, but somehow pray that our home would be changed. So that if Billy does come home there will be no need to leave. I think I need to be changed. 

PJ:  Well, you understand, don't you, this can be a very painful thing you're asking, but you seem about desperate enough to be real serious with God.(pause) Are you ready to give God all of your life? Not holding anything back?

Dad: Yes, as best as I know how. He'll have to show me and help me.

PJ:  (Places hand on Dad's shoulder.) Well, then lets agree together in prayer.

(Lights fade. End of Scene I)

Scene 2          Christmas Eve

(House lights are up. Walls are decorated as storefronts in a mall. Actors enter and exit thru audience. Audience is sitting in the middle of the mall. Christmas decorations are hanging all around. 

(Biff enters carrying mop and bucket. He is accompanied by someone who is evidently his supervisor.)

Sup: Well, Biff, I hope you like your first day on the job here at the mall. The Cleaning and Maintenance Department is very important you know. As part time holiday help you'll mainly be assigned to keeping things clean. (Pause) Say do you mind if I ask you a personal question?

Bif: No, go ahead.

Sup: Why did you sign up for this job anyway? Most high school kids from the right side of the tracks don't want anything to do with cleaning up messes.

Bif:  Well, I wanted to make a little money over the holidays, so I asked my dad if he knew of any openings down here at the mall.  He told me not to worry ‑ He'd get me a job where I could clean up really good.
Sup: That's really strange. Most of the store owners want their kids to get the fancy jobs ‑ modeling or front office stuff.

Bif:  Well, that's the way my dad used to be. But he's been acting a little funny these last couple of weeks. Almost like big business isn't the most important thing in the world anymore. I don't know what it is, but I like it!

Sup: Well, here we are kid. This is your area for the morning.  The floor can get real sticky around the ice cream shop. Remember to put up the "Caution: Wet floor" signs where you  mop. These floors are highly waxed and a thin film of water can make them very dangerous. Keep moving and keep things     clean. See you later.

Bif: OK. See you at break time.

(Biff starts mopping. Two thieves enter dressed in Electric Co .maintenance coveralls. They appear slightly nervous. They’re standing on stage opposite Biff.  They look around to make sure no one can hear them and begin to speak.)

Th1: Ok, Bugsy, tell me the plan one more time I want to make sure you got it.

Th2: We enter the jewelry store at the peak shopping hour to check the electric power supply. I pull the main breaker, as soon as the lights go out and the alarms are dead, you yell  "fire" to get the crowd to panic, and then we grab the Windsor Diamond.  We leave the store and drop the diamond with your cousin Gertrude who will be disguised as an old lady. How will we recognize her?

Th1:  She will be sitting by the charity wishing well with a large shopping bag and wearing a large white corsage. Remember we drop the diamond in her bag as inconspicuously as possible. In case someone follows us we want to get rid of the diamond without anyone noticing that we passed it off.

Th2: OK I got it. When do we make the hit?

Th1: Let's just mingle around the mall until the crowd gets bigger. 

(They exit. A few shoppers enter and window shop up and down the mall. Biff  is occasionally heard to complain about the sticky floor. Bonnie Sue, a fellow student of Biff, is shopping when she gets close and recognizes him.)

Bon: (Flirting) Hi, Biff. Whatcha doin'?

Bif: Oh, hi, Bonnie Sue. I'm working at my new job.

Bon: It must take big muscles to do work like that. What does that sign say?

Bif:  It says "Caution: Slippery When Wet".

Bon: Could you escort me across it so I can shop in that store? (Points)

Bif: It's not really that wet now.   (Notices her pleading look.)   Ok, take my arm.

Bon: Ohhh! You do have big muscles! (He walks with her to the  store.) Now don't go too far away. I'll only just be a  minute, and I'll need help to get back across.

(Soon, Gertrude, the thieves' accomplice enters. She is dressed as described and sits on a bench facing the audience, the wishing well to her back. Biff  notices her and attempts to be friendly.)

Bif:  Good morning, ma'm. Merry Christmas to you!

Ger:  Get lost, kid. You're bothering me.

Bif:  Excuse me. I didn't mean to offend you. You just look so much like my Grandma I had to say hello.

Ger: If you don't leave me alone I'll call the management.

Bif:  I'm leaving. Pardon me!

(Bif starts to back away. Puts mop on his shoulder.)

Bon:  (Loudly) Biff, come here!

(Biff is startled. Swings around abruptly. Mop on his shoulder makes 180 degree arc striking Gertrude in the face. With a scream she falls backward off the bench and hits the floor unconscious.)

Bif: Oh no! What have I done? She's not moving! Maybe I killed her! (Looks around frantically. Spots two security officers. Waves them toward him.)   Come quick! 

Pet: What’s going on?

Bif:  I just clobbered some poor old lady. I think I knocked her head off!

(Pete bends down to take a look at her.)

Pet: Relax, kid. She's just unconscious. You knocked her wig off, not her head. And she's not an old lady either, just made up to look that way. Something kinda fishy about all this. (To other officer)  Joe, give me a hand. We'd better get her down to the first aid station.(They put her arms over their shoulders and help her off.)

(Biff is transfixed, watching them carry her off. Bonnie Sue comes up and taps Biff to get his attention.)

Bon:  I'm sorry if I startled you.

Bif:  That's OK. I just hope I didn't hurt that lady too bad.

Bon: Since it was my fault, let me go to the first aid station and check on her for you. OK?

Bif: Sure, Thanks. I'd better get back to work.(He mops some more.)

(Shoppers who had gathered to watch the commotion, now walk off in groups of twos and threes. Many shoppers are now in the mall. Grandma enters, window shops a bit, and then notices Biff.)

Gma: Biff, what's the matter? You look a little pale. Come over  here and sit down for a minute. (She leads him to bench in front of wishing well.)

Bif: Thanks, Grandma. You wouldn't believe what just happened. I can't go into it right now, I really must finish cleaning up before the rest of the people arrive for the children's choir concert. I didn't put up the wet floor signs on the area I just mopped. I'd better get over there. Surely, nothing else crazy will happen today.

(Alarm sounds from jewelry store. Thieves come running in. Grandma looks toward jewelry store, doesn't notice diamond dropped into her knitting bag. Thieves run across wet floor. They slip and slide wildly, yelling as they fall to the floor.  They get back up and fall several times before hobbling away.  Biff follows them. Security guards enter.)

Shopper: What's happening officer?

Pet: Nothing to be alarmed about. No one is in any danger. Calm down and continue your shopping everyone.

Joe: What should we do now?

Pet: Let's talk to some of the mall employees, and see if they noticed anything unusual today.

(Biff walks back in. Children's choir is also filing in at the same time. They line up facing audience.)
Joe: There's that new kid. Let's talk to him.

Pet: We'd better hurry, looks like the concert is about to start.

Gma: (To Meg & Alex as they line up to sing.) OK, children, I'll be sitting right over there listening. Sing nice, and don't forget to smile!

(They are seen talking to Biff in the background. Nothing can be heard of the conversation, but from the gestures it is obvious Biff has something to tell them. He points to where thieves fell down and where they exited. They walk off, following the trail, as children begin singing. Grandma sitting to side is obviously pleased with her grandchildren's singing.)

(As choir finishes carol ‑ lights fade. Scene 2 ends.)

Scene 3               Later that evening

(Setting is the same as opening scene with following changes :ugly picture hangs on wall and room is not quite as tidy ‑ chair doilly not perfectly straight, lamp shade slightly crooked, and stuffed animal is lying on floor. Gma is on stage knitting. She is still dressed as earlier in the day.)

(Mom enters carrying cream pie and sets it on table.)

Mom: This pie is a little stiff, but by the time we have our Christmas eve story and snack it should be about right.

Gma: I'm sure it will be fine, dear.

Mom: I sent Biff to get some ice cream to go with it. I hope he gets back with it all right.

Gma: What could go wrong?

Mom: With Biff it's always an adventure. Last time I sent him for ice cream ‑ he brought back pizza! Try putting that on angel food cake.

Gma: Elizabeth, have you heard from Robert?

Mom: His secretary called to say that he was eating supper at the office and that he would be home in about an hour. Let's see, that was just about an hour ago. She said he was very  depressed.  When I was with him earlier today he was in such a good mood. We were just getting ready to leave the store    and come to the children's concert when the lights went out,  and the robbery occurred.

(Biff enters carrying a grocery bag. Mom meets him and looks in bag.)

Mom: (Relieved) It's ice cream. (To Biff) Now take the ice cream and put it in the freezer. Where's your manners? Take your hat off in the house.

(Biff exits. Gma looks at floor and then at mom.)

Gma: Elizabeth, you've been much more ...relaxed about the housekeeping the last week or so. Biff just tracked in some  dirt and you didn't notice.

Mom: (She looks thoughtfully at the dirt on the floor.) Why, you're right! I haven't vacuumed or dusted all day. Maybe it's the Christmas spirit. Robert has been home so much more lately, helping with the children and spending time with me. I do feel more...relaxed.

(Dad enters ‑ stoop shouldered and totally dejected. He hands hat and coat to Mom, then sits facing audience with a blank stare.)

(After 2 seconds M & A run on stage and hug Dad.)

M&A: Daddy!

Dad: (Without affection) Oh hi, kids.

Mom: (To children) Your father has had a rough day.  Take Daddy's hat and coat to the closet and play in your room for a while.

Meg: But it's time for our Christmas eve story and snack.

Alx: I want (pauses to lick lips) some pie and ice cream.

Gma:  Just give your dad a little time to ...relax, then we'll have a good time.

(M & A exit. Biff enters.)

Bif:  Sorry to hear about the robbery, Dad. Any news on the diamond?

Dad: No, the thieves apparently got away clean. There's no trace of the diamond. The police even questioned me about my finances, suggesting that I had set up the robbery to collect on the insurance. Well, I sure won't have to worry about being president of the National Jeweler's Association.

Mom: (pats his shoulder) You've had a terrible day, dear. Let me get you a cup of tea. Try not to think about it for a while.

(She exits to kitchen.)

Dad: How can I not think about it? Well there's not much to do     but sit and wait. We've notified the insurance company, and     the police said they would call me if they had any news. The     only lead they had was from one of the mall employees. He     gave them some information about two suspicious‑looking     men.(Biff brightens at the mention of this.)

(Phone rings.)

Bif:  I'll get it.(Picks up phone.) Hello, Pensington residence. Just a moment, please.(Covers mouthpiece and turns to Dad)     Dad, it's for you.

Dad: Is it the police? (Rises and walks to phone.)

Bif:  No, it's Mr. Farnsworth from your office.

Dad: Hello.(He continues conversation. Mom enters with tea in one hand and Biff's hat in the other. She sets tea on table next to Dad's chair. Then walks over to Biff.)

Mom: Look what I found in the freezer.(Holds up hat to him.) When I went into the kitchen to get the tea, I noticed that the freezer door was slightly open. (She is startled to feel something inside of hat.) What's this inside the facing of the hat? (Pulls out letter.) (Dad's voice is now heard from phone conversation.)

Dad: What do you mean the insurance company never got the premium to cover the diamond? Well, no I didn't verify receipt with them as they asked, but I distinctly remember leaving the office to go mail the letter, and I ....(Mom grimaces and holds letter for Dad to see. Biff's eyes are large as he looks back and forth from Dad to letter.) I... I... I'm in trouble.  (pauses to listen) Yes, I'll be there. (Biff jumps to his feet and backs toward front door.)

Bif:  Dad, I'm sorry.(Mom picks up duster and nervously dusts furniture.)

Dad:  Sorry! (Angry!) The diamond is missing and no insurance to cover it! And you're sorry! (Takes steps toward him. Biff  backs away.) I suppose you've got 29 million dollars to pay for it!
(Doorbell rings)

Bif: I'll get it! (Hurries to answer door.)

Dad: (Calls after him) You got that right.

Gma: Robert?

Dad: What?

Gma: Seems to me there were two people who forgot to mail the letter.

Dad: Well, it doesn't make any difference now. I've got some explaining to do at an emergency meeting of the board of directors. Elizabeth, get my coat and hat. (She exits)

(Biff enters somewhat shaken.)

Gma: Biff, you're trembling! I'm sure your father has canceled his plans to kill you.

Bif: No, it's not that.

Dad: Well, what is it son? You look as if you've seen a ghost!

Bif: P..P..Perhaps I have. (He turns to door and motions for someone to enter.)
(Figure dressed in army uniform enters.)
(All freeze as Billy walks in.)

Dad: (incredulously) Billy?

(Mom enters with coat and hat. She freezes and stares, then screams and runs and hugs Billy. Drops coat on floor and smashes hat in hug. Others gather around also in one big hug. After several seconds of hugs and greetings ‑ "we sure missed you","are you all right?", etc. the family returns to dialogue.)

Dad: Billy, won't you sit down, take off your hat, and get comfortable. (As she takes off hat, long hair falls out, revealing to audience that Billy is their daughter. They all sit down.)

Mom: Can I get you anything?

Bil: No. (pause) I know you're all wanting to know why I left. Let me tell you as best I can. I was feeling closed in. I felt there must be something more to life. Dad was always so busy with his big business deals, and Mom wanted me to be some fancy debutante. I was even named after my     great grandmother "Wilmena" who was the most proper of ladies and full of all the social graces. I wanted sweatshirts and blue jeans, and I got dresses with lace. So I thought it  best not to disgrace the Pensington name, and I left.

Dad: What brought you back home?

Bil: I had orders for a different army base. Bad weather in Ohio forced my flight to divert to the city airport. While waiting for the next flight I ran into Pastor John and his wife Linda. They were dropping off someone to catch a plane. We had a long talk.  They gave me some things to think  about. They also offered to drop me off here, said I might find some changes.

(Phone rings. Biff answers.)

Bif: Hello, Pensington residence.  Just a moment please. (Covers mouthpiece.) It's Mr. Farnsworth, the board is getting impatient.

Dad: Tell them I'll be right there. 

Bil: (Angry) Some things never change! (Jumps up and walks to side stage, stands with back to family, obviously angry. As she got up a piece of paper falls to floor. Only Gma seems  to notice it. Mom goes to comfort Billy. Dad jumps up, starts to follow her, stops and looks toward phone. He is obviously torn between his career and his daughter. He looks back and forth between the two. Biff hesitates, not relaying message.)

Gma: What's this you dropped, Billy? (Picks it up) It's a note from Pastor John. Robert, it's for you.
(Almost reluctantly he takes the note. Pauses. Then rips the envelope open. Reads it aloud.)

Dad: "You asked Him, now let Him." (Long pause as he looks toward Billy.) Biff, let me have that phone.(Dad puts hand over mouthpiece.) Say, do they have any more openings in the Cleaning and Maintenance Department.(Speaks into phone.)  Farnsworth, This is Christmas Eve. As chairman of the board I'm canceling this meeting.(Billy turns around.) Go home to your families where you should be. What good will it do to talk anyway?  It'll take a miracle to save us now. Besides God just answered one prayer that I've been praying for a long time. (Billy perks up.) And if he never does another thing for me I should be a pretty happy man!  Good bye, Farnsworth, and Merry Christmas! (hangs up) (Billy hugs Dad)

(M&A run in and hug Billy. Mom drops duster in wastebasket, and puts arm around Dad. M&A begin to run around chanting "Billy's home, Billy's home". Billy stands between Mom and Dad arms all around. Alex trips over Grandma's knitting bag. Diamond rolls out in a drawstring bag.)

Alx: Grandma, what's this? (Hands it to her.)
Gma: I don't know. I didn't put it in there. (opens bag) the     diamond! (All stare)

(doorbell rings)

Bif: I'll get it.(Answers door)

Dad: (walks over and takes diamond) Well, I'll be. (Holds it up to light) This is it all right.

(Biff returns with reporter.)

Bif: This is a reporter with the Times, he wants to interview me.

Dad: What about? 

Rep: Well, the part he played in catching those jewelry thieves.

Dad: They've been caught?

Rep: Haven't you heard?

Dad: No, but then the phone has been pretty busy tonight.

Rep: Biff gave the license number of the two suspicious‑looking men he saw at the mall, and the fact that they were injured and might seek medical attention. So the police put out an APB on the car and to the area doctors and hospitals. The woman he knocked unconscious was the third member of the ring. The thieves were supposed to drop the diamond in her bag as they ran by. But she was recovering in the first aid station when the robbery occurred. They must have dropped the diamond in a bystander's bag by mistake, so the whereabouts of the diamond is still a mystery.

Dad: Not anymore. (Holds out diamond.)

Rep: Wow! There's quite a story here. That is if you'll give me an interview.

Dad: You can have your interview on one condition. 

Rep: What's that?

Dad: That first you and Biff call the police and a certain Mr. Farnsworth about the diamond, and then join us for our Christmas Eve story and snack.

Rep: It's a deal. (Rep and Biff exit)
(Mom picks up pie and walks over to Dad)

Mom: This pie is melted and sloppy. We don't have any ice cream to go with it anyway. When Biff put his hat in the freezer, he also put the ice cream in the closet. I found it when I went to get your coat from the closet. I found a lot of it in the pockets of your coat. 

Dad: So what am I going to get for a snack?

Mom: Well, I've been accused of being too meticulous and a real pain in the neck when it comes to the way my family dresses.(Looks at Billy)  I think its time for me to loosen up a bit. (Pie in Dad's face)

Dad: My new suit!

Bil: Mom, I can't believe you did that.

(Dad goes over to wall and takes "ugly" painting. Returns to Mom and breaks over her head so her face is now framed. Dad takes dab of cream from pie and puts it on her nose.)

Dad: Now, that's a truly beautiful lady.

Bil: (To Gma) Have these 2 totally lost it or what?

Gma: No, Billy, I think they've found something. In fact this whole family has found something much more valuable than a 29 million dollar diamond. And like the diamond it was there all the time ‑ just waiting to be discovered.